As Westerville and the nation prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, the Westerville Symphony offers a powerful and inspiring tribute to our shared history through music that embodies the American spirit. This program is more than a concert — it is the Symphony’s gift to the community, honoring our past, celebrating our present, and looking ahead to the future.

The evening begins with a world premiere by Otterbein University’s own Jennifer Merkowitz, commissioned especially for this milestone year. Rooted in the themes of Westerville and America, her new work will speak to the unique identity of our community while reflecting the larger story of the nation. A world premiere is always a special moment, and this one will belong entirely to Westerville as part of the America 250 celebration.

Next, the Symphony presents Charles Ives’s spirited Variations on America. Known for his bold creativity, Ives takes a familiar patriotic tune and transforms it with wit, humor, and innovation. The result is both playful and profound, reminding us of America’s capacity for reinvention and imagination.

After intermission, the evening culminates in George Gershwin’s Catfish Row, the symphonic Suite from Porgy and Bess. Gershwin’s music weaves together elements of jazz, folk, and classical traditions to create a sound that is unmistakably American. From the soulful strains of Summertime to the rhythmic vitality of the suite’s dance episodes, Catfish Row is a celebration of America’s diverse musical voice and cultural heritage.

Taken together, this program captures the essence of the American journey — innovation, resilience, and a deep well of creativity. It is the Westerville Symphony’s way of joining the city and the nation in marking this once in a generation milestone, celebrating 250 years of America through the power of music.